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Thursday, May 2, thousands of events will take place around the nation as people “Pray for America”—the theme for this year’s National Day of Prayer.

Local community members will have the opportunity to gather next Thursday at the Peerless Theatre at 7 p.m.

“We sincerely would like to invite all to participate this year to call on our Lord to forgive us and heal our beloved land,” said Paula Strode, one of the event organizers. “It’s time we unite in prayer as a community, especially in light of all the things happening around us.”

“Pray for America” emphasizes the belief that individuals—corporately and individually— need to place their faith in the unfailing character of their creator, who is sovereign over all governments, authorities and men. Matthew 12:21 is this year’s Scripture: “In His name the nations will put their hope.”

According to the National Day of Prayer task force website, nationaldayofprayer.org, 2013 marks the 62nd annual National Day of Prayer. “We have an unprecedented opportunity to see the Lord’s healing and renewing power made manifest as we call on citizens to humbly come before His throne,” said the website.

In the words of Mary Washington, President George Washington’s mother, it’s time to “remember that God is our only sure trust.”

Even though it’s only the 62nd anniversary of the observance, prayer has been documented throughout America’s history. Strode highlighted that America’s leaders had a tradition of faith, especially during crises—from Washington’s orders for troops to attend divine services, to Abraham Lincoln’s annual day of Thanksgiving, to Harry S. Truman’s annual Day of Prayer.

Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, “Appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions ...”

John Adams called for a day of fasting during threatened war with France, March 3, 1798. He wrote: “Citizens ... abstaining from their customary worldly occupations ... Acknowledge before God the manifold sins ... beseeching Him ... through the Redeemer of the World, freely to remit all our offenses and to incline us by His Holy Spirit to that sincere repentance.”

“At this crucial time for our nation, we can do nothing more important than pray,” said the task force. “Thank you in advance for making this spiritual discipline a personal priority and for standing with us as we encourage others to incorporate prayer in their lives.”